dare to move forward // feat. annie’s word for twenty-eighteen

Twenty-eighteen marks the third year in a row that I’ve chosen a word to sum up everything I hope for in the coming months. 2016’s word was brave and my word for 2017 was others. With both words, I knew almost as soon as January rolled around exactly what I wanted.

But not this year.

I had a specific idea of what I wanted to see happen in 2018 but there didn’t seem to be any words that fit with my thought to perfection. I toyed around with venture and focus and bloom and none of them felt right, although focus came close. I prayed about it and searched in the dictionary and made lists.

The word I kept coming back to still feels a bit odd, like a puzzle piece that won’t quite fit where it’s supposed to go, but in the end it expresses my over-arching goal + desire for 2018 better than anything else I mulled over.

for·ward, adverb

toward the front; in the direction that one is facing or traveling.

onward so as to make progress; toward a successful conclusion.

Last year felt like a time where I went in circles. I was processing the aftermath of two deaths in my life, and several things slowed to a snail’s pace as a result–specifically writing and Curious Wren. It was a hard+ fulfilling year in terms of my spiritual growth as a Christian, and I know I’m a different, better person for it. But looking back over 2017 in regards to my writing life and my dreams, I didn’t make much progress.

So, this year I’m taking my dreams back in my hands.

I’m going to write. I have a magic realism book I can’t wait to explore–I’ve already written the first couple chapters and I’m head-over-heels in love with the charries and the story. It’ll be a bit like Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures in the feeling of bittersweet nostalgia and whimsy, I hope.

I’m going to focus on reading more, because we all know that to be a good writer we need to be immersing ourselves in wonderful literature. #tornbetweenRereadsandmyTBRtower

I’m going to create a regular schedule for blogging. I have all sorts of articles up my sleeves that I can’t wait to share with you darlings.

I’m praying about attending a writers’ conference. I have plans already to travel and go on several road-trips. I’m going to be more intentional with my time (already working on that. which YAY) and study and learn, and challenge myself as a sunday school teacher and child of God.

I have so many plans for this year, it’s making me giddy in the best of ways.

Thank you! I’m slowly starting to become more attached to my word for the year. It’s feeling more familiar and less alien which is a lovely feeling. ^_^

I hope you all will love it when I unveil it!

Ooo, which writer’s conference are you hoping to attend, if you don’t mind my asking?

THIS GIVES ME ALL THE HAPPINESS EXCUSE ME WHILST I FLAIL. It’s the best feeling when people enjoy book recs. You’re making me so excited about re-reading Hans Brinker again! 🙂 I’m delighted you enjoyed it.

ANNIE! You’re back!! Seeing your post in my inbox made me so happy this morning!
I’m sorry for your hard 2017. I understand well those seasons where you just have to slow down and survive. ❤
I am so. excited. for your 2018 though. It sounds perfectly lovely what with reading and writing and road trips. What conference are you thinking about? (You can DM me if you don't want to publish it here.) I am considering a few and I would LOVE to see you again!

Annie, my sweet Samwise! It’s good to see you blogging again! This post sent the warm fuzzies to my chest and made me so happy!

I am really sorry that 2017 was hard *hugs* I understand muchly, dear friend! ❤ I struggled with some things that I was unexpectedly confronted with too, and I know the feeling of just trying to "survive" through it all! *sends huge hugs* ❤

But like Emily said, I am so happy and excited for your 2018, darling! What a wonderful word for this year, lovely, and so inspiring and hopeful. It excites me so much, girl! I love your bookish and writing plans, and that desire to grow and pursue your dreams, by God's grace. YOU GO GIRL! I know the Lord is going to lift you up and encourage you and guide you in His perfect, wonderful way. Reading, writing, conferences & road-trips sound truly amazing!

Joy, my precious goosie! I’ve missed blogging so much. I am thrilled that I am getting back into the swing of things. Aww, you darling. ❤

I know, honey, I know. Thank you for being there for me at those '3 o'clock in the morning' moments when I needed it. You're in my prayers too.

Ack, I'm getting teary reading your comment again. Thank you for always leaving such sweet, heart-felt notes. I hope you know what a blessing you are to me. What are a few of the things you're looking forward to in 2018, dear?